Buffalo Mac And Cheese Recipe

Buffalo Mac and Cheese is the perfect fusion of creamy comfort food and bold, spicy flavors. This dish combines the rich, cheesy goodness of classic macaroni and cheese with the fiery kick of buffalo sauce and tender chunks of chicken. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner, game-day favorite, or potluck crowd-pleaser, this buffalo-inspired twist will leave everyone wanting seconds. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and can be baked or served stovetop-style. Get ready for the ultimate cheesy, spicy indulgence with this mouthwatering Buffalo Mac and Cheese recipe.

Ingredients Of Buffalo Mac And Cheese Recipe

Why You Will Love This Buffalo Mac And Cheese Recipe

This Buffalo Mac and Cheese recipe delivers the best of both worlds—ultra-creamy cheese sauce and spicy buffalo heat. It’s a comfort food classic with a bold twist, perfect for spice lovers and cheese enthusiasts alike. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your choice of cheeses or heat level, making it a versatile go-to dish for any occasion.

Preparation Process Of Buffalo Mac And Cheese Recipe

Start by cooking the pasta until al dente and setting it aside. Prepare the roux with butter and flour, then whisk in milk to form a smooth base. Stir in cream cheese and cheddar until melted. Add buffalo sauce, chicken, and seasonings, then fold in cooked pasta. Top with more cheese or breadcrumbs and bake if desired.

Step By Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Make the Roux: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux and cook for about 1 minute.

Create the Cheese Sauce: Slowly pour in milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer until slightly thickened, then stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.

Add the Cheese and Buffalo Sauce: Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella to the sauce and stir until fully melted. Mix in buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Stir in Chicken and Pasta: Fold the cooked shredded chicken into the buffalo cheese sauce. Then add the drained pasta and mix until everything is evenly coated.

Assemble and Bake (Optional): Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. Top with more shredded cheese or panko breadcrumbs for crunch if desired.

Bake and Serve: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly. Remove from the oven, garnish with green onions or parsley, and serve hot.

How to Serve?

• With a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing
• Topped with chopped celery or green onions
• As a side dish for burgers or wings
• In individual ramekins for parties
• Alongside a crisp salad for balance

Tips & Variations

Nutrition

1. Calories: 480
2. Protein: 24g
3. Carbs: 45g
4. Fat: 24g
5. Saturated Fat: 12g
6. Fiber: 2g
7. Sugar: 5g
8. Sodium: 900mg

Recipe Card

Buffalo Mac And Cheese Recipe

Recipe by Rachael ray

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories

480

kcal

This creamy and spicy Buffalo Mac and Cheese recipe is a flavor-packed twist on a classic favorite. Tender elbow macaroni is mixed with a bold buffalo cheese sauce and juicy chicken for a satisfying comfort food dish that’s perfect for dinner, potlucks, or game nights. It’s rich, cheesy, and customizable depending on your heat tolerance or cheese preferences. Whether you bake it with breadcrumbs or serve it creamy from the pot, this dish is always a hit.

Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni

• Butter

• All-purpose flour

• Milk

• Cream cheese

• Shredded cheddar cheese

• Mozzarella cheese

• Cooked shredded chicken

• Buffalo wing sauce

• Garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper

• Panko breadcrumbs (optional)

• Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish

Directions

• Cook the Pasta
• Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• Make the Roux
• In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux and cook for about 1 minute.
• Create the Cheese Sauce
• Slowly pour in milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer until slightly thickened, then stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.
• Add the Cheese and Buffalo Sauce
• Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella to the sauce and stir until fully melted. Mix in buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Stir in Chicken and Pasta
• Fold the cooked shredded chicken into the buffalo cheese sauce. Then add the drained pasta and mix until everything is evenly coated.
• Assemble and Bake (Optional)
• Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. Top with more shredded cheese or panko breadcrumbs for crunch if desired.
• Bake and Serve
• Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly. Remove from the oven, garnish with green onions or parsley, and serve hot.

Recipe Video

Notes

• Can be made ahead and reheated in the oven.
• For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.
• Make it vegetarian by omitting chicken and adding cauliflower or black beans.

FAQs

Conclusion